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Appalachian Learning Initiative
Infographics Database

About This Page:

Welcome to the Appalachian Learning Initiative's Infographics Resource. This resource allows users to select one of the 13 Appalachian states and view state- and county-level data about adult literacy and numeracy, population demographics, quality of life statistics, and the public health measures that impact Appalachians.


Users will also find infographics for all 423 counties and 8 independent Virginia cities in the Appalachian Region which are free to the public and available for download and distribution.

The image is a map of Alabama divided into counties, each colored to represent the percentage of Appalachian adults who read at or below an 8th grade level. The color gradient ranges from green (42.4%) to red (80.5%). The map includes counties like Lauderdale, Colbert, Madison, and others, each labeled with their name and shaded according to the data. The left side shows a vertical color scale indicating the range of percentages. The top text reads "Appalachian Learning Initiative," and on the right, there's a description about the percentage of adults reading at or below an 8th grade level. Logos and contact information for APPLI are at the bottom.

We hope that our users will be able to turn these data into local- and state-level advocacy by working to increase funding for adult literacy and numeracy.

​

Here are a couple of tips to help users access and utilize the information they'll find:​​
 

  • If a data point reads "Suppressed," this means that there were fewer than 10 cases in a jurisdiction. Because of this, the exact numbers have been hidden to protect the patients' identities.
     

  • Incidence and mortality rates are rates per 100,000 residents (e.g., HIV Diagnosis Rate)
     

  • Our sources for these data may be found on our Resources page in the Citations section.

​

We truly hope that everyone enjoys this resource. Please remember to share these infographics with your networks and help us to spread the word about adult literacy and numeracy in Appalachia.

​

Sincerely,
Marcus J. Hopkins
Founder & Executive Director

Select a Jurisdiction

Kentucky

Rockcastle County

Adults Reading At/Below
an 8th Grade Level:

72.2%

The image is an infographic about the Appalachian Learning Initiative in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, with a population of 16,190. It features various statistics about the county. The top half of the image includes the title in dark blue text on a white background. Below, there's a circular colored map highlighting Rockcastle County and surrounding areas like Lincoln, Laurel, and Jackson. To the left, a graphic with four human icons, three in dark blue and one in gray, indicates that 72.2% of Rockcastle County adults read at or below an 8th-grade level. To the right, a statistic in blue text shows 34% of residents earn below 150% of the federal poverty level. Below are two additional statistics: 4.9% of residents lack health insurance, depicted with a blue percentage and text, and 17.9% of adults haven’t graduated high school, also highlighted in blue. At the bottom left, there is the APPLI logo with the text "Appalachian Learning Initiative" and a website link. The bottom right includes social media icons and the text "Follow us @APPLIOrg."
The image presents statistical information about Rockcastle County, Kentucky, under the "Appalachian Learning Initiative." The background is a muted gray. In bold, white text at the top, the image identifies the focus area, Rockcastle County, with a population of 16,190. Beneath, the image is divided into four sections, each conveying different statistics with icons and percentages. On the left, a row of five human figures, with four in white and one in red, is above the text indicating that 79.9% of adults have difficulty with basic math. Below this, there is a logo for the Appalachian Learning Initiative. On the right, there are three red statistics: 24.4% of residents live in extreme poverty, 20.6% rely on SNAP for nutrition assistance, and 9.1% spend at least 50% of their income on housing. Next to each statistic, corresponding explanatory text is provided. A circular map in the center displays various surrounding counties, colored differently, but Rockcastle County is uniquely outlined in white. At the bottom right, social media icons for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube are shown in a smaller font, encouraging following @APPLIORG. The text at the bottom credits data to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020.

Adults Struggling with Basic Mathematics:

79.9%

Demographics (2023)

Population:

Male:

Female:

White:

Black:

Hispanic:

Asian:

American Indian /
Alaska Native:

Native Hawaiian /
Pacific Islander:

Other:

16,190

49.4%

50.6%

97.3%

0.6%

1.4%

0.2%

0.4%

0.0%

1.5%

Quality of Life Statistics

Adults Who Haven't
Finished High School (2023):

17.8%

Residents Earning Below
150% of the Federal
Poverty Level (2023):

33.5%

Residents Earning Below 100%
of the Federal Poverty Level:

23.6%

Residents Who Rely on SNAP
for Nutrition Assistance (2023):

20.5%

Residents Who Lack
Health Insurance (2023):

7.7%

Residents Spending
50%+of Their Income
on Housing (2023):

14.8%

Residents Facing
Food Insecurity (2022):

19.6%

Households Paying $200+ Per Month on Electricity (2023):

39.5%

Public Health Statistics

Drug Overdose
Death Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Diagnoses Rate (2022):

0.0

HIV Prevalence (2022):

36.0

Adults Who Currently
Smoke Cigarettes (2023):

25.2%

Adults Living with
Obesity (2022):

16.4%

Adults with Diabetes (2022):

16.4%

Adults with Asthma (2022):

12.1%

Adults with COPD (2022):

14.7%

Adults with CHD (2022):

10.4%

Adults with a Disability (2022):

22.2%

Rowan County

Adults Reading At/Below
an 8th Grade Level:

59.3%

The image is an infographic with text and a colorful map illustrating statistics about Rowan County, Kentucky. At the top, bold text reads, "Appalachian Learning Initiative Rowan County, Kentucky Population: 24,409." Below this, there are several statistics displayed with icons and numbers. On the left, a group of person icons with blue and gray colors represents that "59.3% of Rowan County adults read at or below an 8th Grade level.” Below, a statistic with a percentage reads “5.7% of Rowan County residents lack health insurance." In the center, a circular map shows Rowan County and surrounding counties, each colored differently. On the right, additional text highlights that "35.4% of Rowan County residents earn below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level" and "10.8% of Rowan County adults haven’t graduated high school." At the bottom, the logo of APPLI, with a bridge design, is displayed alongside contact information and various social media icons. The image credits "National Center for Education Statistics, 2020."
The image presents educational and economic statistics about Rowan County, Kentucky, from the Appalachian Learning Initiative. The background is gray with bold white and red text providing various statistics. On the left side, there is a graphic of five figures with two in red, indicating that 66.6% of adults struggle with basic math. A map of Kentucky counties is in the center, highlighting Rowan County in a mix of colors. To the right, red text states that 24.5% of residents live in extreme poverty, and below it, 18.6% rely on SNAP for nutrition assistance. At the bottom, further text indicates 11.2% of residents spend 50% of their income on housing. Logos and social media icons are at the bottom, along with a data source.

Adults Struggling with Basic Mathematics:

66.6%

Demographics (2023)

Population:

Male:

Female:

White:

Black:

Hispanic:

Asian:

American Indian /
Alaska Native:

Native Hawaiian /
Pacific Islander:

Other:

24,409

48.9%

51.1%

95.5%

1.9%

2.4%

0.8%

0.3%

0.0%

1.5%

Quality of Life Statistics

Adults Who Haven't
Finished High School (2023):

11.2%

Residents Earning Below
150% of the Federal
Poverty Level (2023):

37.7%

Residents Earning Below 100%
of the Federal Poverty Level:

24.6%

Residents Who Rely on SNAP
for Nutrition Assistance (2023):

24.0%

Residents Who Lack
Health Insurance (2023):

5.4%

Residents Spending
50%+of Their Income
on Housing (2023):

19.2%

Residents Facing
Food Insecurity (2022):

18.6%

Households Paying $200+ Per Month on Electricity (2023):

35.0%

Public Health Statistics

Drug Overdose
Death Rate (2022):

73.8

HIV Diagnoses Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Prevalence (2022):

104.8

Adults Who Currently
Smoke Cigarettes (2023):

18.5%

Adults Living with
Obesity (2022):

12.9%

Adults with Diabetes (2022):

12.9%

Adults with Asthma (2022):

11.7%

Adults with COPD (2022):

10.9%

Adults with CHD (2022):

8.1%

Adults with a Disability (2022):

16.2%

Russell County

Adults Reading At/Below
an 8th Grade Level:

69.9%

The image is a statistical infographic about Russell County, Kentucky, provided by the Appalachian Learning Initiative. The title reads "Russell County, Kentucky" with a stated population of 18,279. Key statistics include: 69.9% of adults read at or below an 8th-grade level, depicted with four human figures, three in blue and one in gray. A pie chart in the center shows neighboring counties: Metcalfe, Green, Adair, Casey, Lincoln, Pulaski, Wayne, Clinton, McCreary, and Russell highlighted in yellow. Other stats show 33.4% of residents earn below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, 17.3% of adults haven't graduated high school, and 6.5% of residents lack health insurance. An APPLI logo is at the bottom left, showing a stylized sunrise. Social media icons for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube are on the bottom right. The source is noted as the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020.
The image is an infographic on the Appalachian Learning Initiative in Russell County, Kentucky, with a population of 18,279. The background is gray. At the top, the title in white reads "Appalachian Learning Initiative Russell County, Kentucky Population: 18,279." Below, the image is divided into sections with statistics. On the left, a visual representation of five figures is shown, with one in red, symbolizing "76.7% of Russell County adults struggle with basic math." Below it, the APPLI logo and website www.appli.org are displayed. In the center, a circular map shows Russell County along with nearby counties, each labeled and colored differently. On the right, three statistics are presented in bold red text: "23.4% of Russell County residents live in extreme poverty," "10.5% of Russell County residents spend at least 50% of their income on housing," and "16.6% of Russell County residents rely on SNAP for Nutrition Assistance." At the bottom right, social media icons for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, along with "Follow us @APPLIOrg," are present. The source noted is the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020.

Adults Struggling with Basic Mathematics:

76.7%

Demographics (2023)

Population:

Male:

Female:

White:

Black:

Hispanic:

Asian:

American Indian /
Alaska Native:

Native Hawaiian /
Pacific Islander:

Other:

18,279

49.5%

50.5%

96.3%

1.1%

4.5%

0.6%

0.6%

0.0%

1.4%

Quality of Life Statistics

Adults Who Haven't
Finished High School (2023):

16.7%

Residents Earning Below
150% of the Federal
Poverty Level (2023):

33.0%

Residents Earning Below 100%
of the Federal Poverty Level:

21.6%

Residents Who Rely on SNAP
for Nutrition Assistance (2023):

16.9%

Residents Who Lack
Health Insurance (2023):

7.4%

Residents Spending
50%+of Their Income
on Housing (2023):

16.2%

Residents Facing
Food Insecurity (2022):

19.1%

Households Paying $200+ Per Month on Electricity (2023):

29.0%

Public Health Statistics

Drug Overdose
Death Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Diagnoses Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Prevalence (2022):

52.4

Adults Who Currently
Smoke Cigarettes (2023):

25.6%

Adults Living with
Obesity (2022):

17.6%

Adults with Diabetes (2022):

17.6%

Adults with Asthma (2022):

12.5%

Adults with COPD (2022):

16.6%

Adults with CHD (2022):

11.5%

Adults with a Disability (2022):

21.5%

Wayne County

Adults Reading At/Below
an 8th Grade Level:

74.4%

The image provides statistics about Wayne County, Kentucky, as part of the Appalachian Learning Initiative. The county has a population of 19,580. On the left, there is a graphic showing five silhouettes of people, one gray and four blue, depicting that 74.4% of Wayne County adults read at or below an 8th-grade level. In the center, a circular map highlights Wayne County in red, surrounded by neighboring counties in various colors such as yellow for Adair and Pulaski, orange for Casey and Russell, and green for McCreary and Clinton. Below the map, a text indicates that 6.6% of residents lack health insurance. On the right, statistics show that 38.7% of residents earn below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and 20.5% of adults haven’t graduated high school. The bottom left features the APPLI logo, and on the bottom right, social media icons are included. The source is cited as the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020.
The image is an infographic highlighting statistics about Wayne County, Kentucky, under the Appalachian Learning Initiative. The background is a muted slate blue. At the top, bold white text states "Appalachian Learning Initiative Wayne County, Kentucky" followed by "Population: 19,580." Below, several statistics are presented. On the left, an icon of five humanoid figures showcases that 80.1% of Wayne County adults struggle with basic math, with one figure highlighted in red. The middle features a circular map with adjacent counties like Casey, Adair, Pulaski, and McCreary highlighted, focusing on Wayne. To the right, statistics in red text include 24.3% of residents living in extreme poverty, 13.4% spending at least 50% of their income on housing, and 17.5% relying on SNAP for nutrition assistance. At the bottom, the Appalachian Learning Initiative logo appears, alongside social media icons and the URL "www.appli.org."

Adults Struggling with Basic Mathematics:

80.1%

Demographics (2023)

Population:

Male:

Female:

White:

Black:

Hispanic:

Asian:

American Indian /
Alaska Native:

Native Hawaiian /
Pacific Islander:

Other:

19,580

50.3%

49.7%

95.4%

2.2%

4.4%

0.4%

0.4%

0.1%

1.5%

Quality of Life Statistics

Adults Who Haven't
Finished High School (2023):

22.8%

Residents Earning Below
150% of the Federal
Poverty Level (2023):

40.8%

Residents Earning Below 100%
of the Federal Poverty Level:

25.4%

Residents Who Rely on SNAP
for Nutrition Assistance (2023):

13.8%

Residents Who Lack
Health Insurance (2023):

6.8%

Residents Spending
50%+of Their Income
on Housing (2023):

24.9%

Residents Facing
Food Insecurity (2022):

20.6%

Households Paying $200+ Per Month on Electricity (2023):

30.7%

Public Health Statistics

Drug Overdose
Death Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Diagnoses Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Prevalence (2022):

118.6

Adults Who Currently
Smoke Cigarettes (2023):

25.1%

Adults Living with
Obesity (2022):

18.2%

Adults with Diabetes (2022):

18.2%

Adults with Asthma (2022):

12.0%

Adults with COPD (2022):

16.1%

Adults with CHD (2022):

11.7%

Adults with a Disability (2022):

24.3%

Whitley County

Adults Reading At/Below
an 8th Grade Level:

66.5%

The image presents statistical data about Whitley County, Kentucky, as part of the Appalachian Learning Initiative. At the top, large blue text states the initiative's name and mention of Whitley County with a population of 36,825. Below, there are four main statistics highlighted with icons and percentages: 66.5% of adults read at or below an eighth-grade level, 39.7% earn below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, 16.2% haven't graduated high school, and 7.7% lack health insurance. To the right, a circular map illustrates the region, marking Whitley County and its neighboring counties with various colors. At the bottom-left, the Appalachian Learning Initiative logo is displayed with its web address, and the image credits the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020. Social media icons are shown in the bottom right.
The image is an infographic titled "Appalachian Learning Initiative Whitley County, Kentucky" with the population listed as 36,825. It has a grey background and highlights multiple statistics about Whitley County residents. On the left, there's a visual of five human figures with one colored red, indicating that 73.9% of the county's adults struggle with basic math. In the center is a circular map highlighting Whitley County and its neighboring regions. On the right, bold percentages highlight social issues: 25.1% of residents live in extreme poverty, 19.6% rely on SNAP for nutrition assistance, and 11.1% spend at least 50% of their income on housing. The bottom left shows the APPLI logo, and their social media handles appear at the bottom right. The source is attributed to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2020.

Adults Struggling with Basic Mathematics:

73.9%

Demographics (2023)

Population:

Male:

Female:

White:

Black:

Hispanic:

Asian:

American Indian /
Alaska Native:

Native Hawaiian /
Pacific Islander:

Other:

36,825

49.5%

50.5%

96.6%

1.0%

2.1%

0.5%

0.3%

0.1%

1.5%

Quality of Life Statistics

Adults Who Haven't
Finished High School (2023):

17.6%

Residents Earning Below
150% of the Federal
Poverty Level (2023):

38.6%

Residents Earning Below 100%
of the Federal Poverty Level:

23.5%

Residents Who Rely on SNAP
for Nutrition Assistance (2023):

18.9%

Residents Who Lack
Health Insurance (2023):

6.6%

Residents Spending
50%+of Their Income
on Housing (2023):

17.6%

Residents Facing
Food Insecurity (2022):

19.9%

Households Paying $200+ Per Month on Electricity (2023):

35.6%

Public Health Statistics

Drug Overdose
Death Rate (2022):

100.3

HIV Diagnoses Rate (2022):

Suppressed

HIV Prevalence (2022):

43.3

Adults Who Currently
Smoke Cigarettes (2023):

21.3%

Adults Living with
Obesity (2022):

13.8%

Adults with Diabetes (2022):

13.8%

Adults with Asthma (2022):

11.9%

Adults with COPD (2022):

11.5%

Adults with CHD (2022):

8.6%

Adults with a Disability (2022):

21.8%

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